Workers Compensation
Workers
Compensation
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and Fall
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Truck
Accident
What is Workers Compensation Law
Workers' compensation law in Georgia is an administrative legal system designed to provide benefits and protections to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. While it is essentially a “return to work” system, the system is fraught with insurance companies and employers who most often do not explain to employees their rights under Georgia law including the ability to select a doctor from a panel of physicians. Workers’ compensation is a very nuanced area of law. It is incredibly important that you hire a lawyer experienced in handling these types of claims to ensure that you receive timely medical treatment and wages replacement. Most importantly, workers compensation is a No-Fault insurance system, so you need not establish that anyone did anything wrong in order to receive benefits. As long as you were injured while performing some function of your job, you qualify for (1) medical benefits and (2) wage replacement/weekly disability benefits.
Under workers' compensation, employees are generally entitled to benefits such as medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and a weekly disability check until they are able to safely return to work.
Workers' compensation laws vary by jurisdiction, but they typically require employers to carry insurance or self-insure to cover potential workplace injuries or illnesses. This system protects both employees and employers, as it provides a no-fault framework where injured workers receive benefits without needing to prove employer negligence, and employers are shielded from most lawsuits related to workplace injuries.
Types of Workers Compensation Cases
The five most common ways we see workers injured on the job include:
Slips, Trips, and Falls: Accidents involving slips, trips, and falls are among the most frequent causes of workplace injuries. These can occur due to slippery surfaces, uneven floors, cluttered walkways, falls from heights, or inadequate safety measures.
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Overexertion and Musculoskeletal Injuries: Overexertion, often related to lifting, pushing, or pulling heavy objects, can lead to musculoskeletal injuries such as strains, sprains, rotator cuff injuries, SLAP tears, or herniated discs. These injuries commonly occur in industries like construction, manufacturing, or healthcare. Another common scenario we see is when people are injured due to repetitive motion, such as developing a shoulder injury due to repeated hours of lifting heavy objects on an assembly line or developing carpal tunnel syndrome due to repetitive use of the hands.
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Struck by Objects: Workers can suffer injuries when struck by falling objects, flying debris, or moving equipment. This can happen in construction sites, warehouses, or manufacturing facilities where there is a risk of objects being dropped or thrown. Crush injuries are also common, especially on construction sites.
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Vehicle Wrecks: Workers who operate vehicles as part of their job, such as truck drivers or delivery personnel, are at risk of being involved in motor vehicle accidents. These wrecks can result in severe injuries and are a common cause of workers' compensation claims. Simply put, if you have to drive for your job, you may qualify for benefits if you were injured while driving on the job.
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Machinery Accidents: Injuries caused by machinery malfunctions, improper use, or lack of safety precautions are prevalent in industries that rely on heavy machinery, such as construction, manufacturing, or agriculture. Workers may suffer crushed limbs, broken bones, amputations, or other severe injuries.
